When an individual experiences a horrific event, there can be many outcomes that might arise. Experiencing a trauma response is predicated upon numerous factors. One includes the presence of adequate protective factors that the individual possesses. Simply, the greater the protective factors and their efficiency, the more likely the individual will be emotionally safeguarded from the severe impacts that traumatic events can have on one’s psychic experience.

Protective factors that range from having basic needs cared for, a firm acceptance of one’s self, prior possession of healthy use of defense mechanisms, and possessing a loving support system, to name a few, increase one’s ability to experience a traumatic event and arrive on the other side relatively emotionally unscathed. However, individuals whose protective factors are less developed or available during a traumatic event are increasingly vulnerable to the sequelae of trauma symptoms that can follow. Jess X Snow’s short film Safe Among Stars (2019) examines the influence trauma can have upon an individual, coupled with how coping with trauma can appear in an Asian family where culture and acculturation are considered.

Protective factors are resources individuals have that act as a shield from trauma. These resources are both internal and external for an individual and do not build in isolation. Rather, one’s environment can shepherd protective factors that are reliable and effective in minimizing the impact of traumatic experiences. Equally, environments can dampen the effectiveness of protective factors.

For instance, temporary and acute environmental challenges, as well as chronic difficulties within the environment, can burden one’s protective factors and cause one........

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